Molded plastics manufacturer opens Hayden plant

SmaK Plastics Inc. of Vancouver, Washington, has opened a manufacturing facility in Hayden that will bring about 30 jobs to the area.

The company makes rotationally molded plastic bins and bin liners, pallets, tanks and hoppers. The Hayden facility is the second location for the company, which was founded in 2007.

SmaK Plastics started production in Hayden in May. The company currently employs about 15 people and is in the process of hiring for a second shift, said Beth Smalley, human resources manager and co-owner of SmaK Plastics. Over time, the company expects to add a third shift, which will bring employment to about 45, she said.

SmaK Plastics moved into a facility at 181 W. Aqua Ave. formerly occupied by a company that owned rotational equipment. When the business closed, Panhandle Area Council inherited the assets and contacted possible buyers. When SmaK President and Chief Executive Jon Smalley came to Hayden to check out the equipment, the Panhandle Area Council suggested an expansion versus moving the equipment.

“It just made sense to ask Jon if he would consider expanding here with the existing equipment already in place,” said Wally Jacobson, the Panhandle Area Council’s executive director.

SmaK Plastics already had customers in North Idaho, which helped cinch the deal, Beth Smalley said.

The Coeur d’Alene Area Economic Development Council also helped with the relocation.

SmaK Plastics’ Hayden facility is expected to pay $10 million in wages over the next seven years, with workers earning an average of $37,200 annually. The company was approved for a state tax reimbursement incentive to help offset the cost of opening a plant in Idaho.

The incentive is available to a broad array of companies moving to Idaho or expanding within the state. The incentive will provide tax credits valued at about $237,000 over a seven-year period.

The state’s Economic Advisory Council reviews incentive applications from companies. Awards are made based on the number and quality of the jobs, and state and local economic impact.